Kobe Bryant’s biggest single-game performance happened in 2006 when he dominated the Toronto Raptors and dropped 81 points, which was a very emotional game for him. Over his 20-year career, Bryant collected many of these games, becoming one of the greatest scorers in NBA history.
Three years after that, Kobe found himself in a similar situation when he visited the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden and once again destroyed his rivals. This time, however, the beat down was called for, as one of the Knicks’ most famous fans tried to get under Kobe’s skin and ended up ruining his team’s chances of getting the best of Bryant.
On Feb. 2, 2009, Bryant landed in New York, ready to get a win, but Spike Lee gave him some extra motivation. He ended up dropping 61 points on the Knicks and sending a big message to Lee for his bad comments.
In recent hours, the film director shared a pic of that magical night (for Kobe), recalling the things he said to the Black Mamba and how he replied to them. First, he talked about Kobe telling him to sit down:
https://twitter.com/Spike_Lee_Joint/status/1530548380501303298
Good Mawnin’. I Can’t Remember Word For What Kobe Wuz Sayin’ Sayin’ To Me But It Was Close To This “Sit Ya Black Ass Down”.
After the game was over and Kobe destroyed the Knicks, he gave the stat sheets to Lee, making it clear that his 61 points were his fault:
https://twitter.com/Spike_Lee_Joint/status/1530565259483705344
This Is The Stat Sheet From Kobe’s Game At Da Garden Where He Scored 61 Points. He Signed It To Me. “P.S. Spike This Shit Was Your Fault. Kobe 24”.I Had It Framed And Is Hanging In Da 40Acres Office/Museum. YA-DIG? SHO-NUFF. And Dat’s Da “MAMBA’ Truth,Ruth
Kobe’s competitiveness was really something else, and that night he took things to the next level. He had incredible performances during his career, but one of the most memorable, for the venue, the rival, and the fact that Lee was trash-talking him, made this one a very special one.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OMluwP1C8gg
